Motorama Poverty Talitres

Article written by
Ged M - Mar 29, 2015

Oh Manchester. So much to answer for! Motorama – who are releasing their third album, Poverty - come from Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia but their heart is spiritually in Manchester. The cool, restrained sound is inspired by Factory Records in particular and Manchester bands in general: just hear the Smiths, the Chameleons, Section 25 and especially Joy Division/ New Order floating through these songs like ghosts.

Sometimes it’s obvious; on ‘Impractical Advice’, the Hooky bassline is filleted from Joy Division and ‘Dispersed Energy’ takes on the influence of Ian Curtis - though you can also hear a little of Matt Beringer in the understated, detached vocalising. But, overall, the sum proves greater than the influences; the chiming guitars of ‘Red Drop’ drip powerful emotion while ‘Write To Me’ is quick and uber-rhythmic and ‘Heavy Wave’ has sweeping keyboards and twinkling guitars that are propelled by a heavy bassline.

This may be solidly located in post-punk and Manchester but it has a compelling darkness and invigorating energy, with a strong sense of melody.